the lovehate mixtape is amazing, it’s entertaining and full of bangers. Tell us a bit about your writing and recording process during the pandemic?
Thank you very much. Some of the songs on the mixtape have been floating around since the ‘skeletons’ EP came out but others were written in lockdown. I would just record full demos on my laptop and send them to the band and then we would de/reconstruct them from there. We then went to Squarehead Studios in Kent with our good friend James Simpson in February of 2020 to record the mixtape properly. The band stayed together in a cottage locally which was a treat. Ended up writing the final lyrics for ‘scuttlebug’ in the shower there. Fun fact that nobody asked for.
How important is genre to you when making music, do you pay any mind to it in the process?
Not at all (any more). When we started the band, there was definitely a sound in mind but now that we’re two releases in, I don’t really think about it. Just let songs come and they’ll be what they’ll be. Just add it to the pile!
How were the skits created? Some of them sound like the record was just running during the process and it feels very fly-on-the-wall.
It was all by design rather than coincidence unfortunately. All the skits were recorded at a later date in our drummer’s gaff and it was actually Brooker’s suggestion to add the skits in the first place. It’s not a record that takes itself too seriously and was a way for us to put out a bigger chunk of material we’ve been sitting on.
What are the plans for the debut full-length?
Well, there are no plans as of yet….but there are songs. We’ve released 15 tracks on 2 releases over the last 18 months so we’re just looking to get on the road and play all these songs live. That said, we’re always thinking ahead….
Who would be your dream to collaborate with?
We’d love to collaborate with you!! If anyone wants to do a remix of our tunes, we’d love to hear ‘em! We’ve had a few people do their own versions or our tunes or remixes and it’s been pretty wild to hear. Do your best/worst.
What surprised you the most so far while learning the inner-workings of the music industry?
It’s not surprising but it’s been great to see more diverse billing over the past few years. Some of my favourite artists are women and I think some of the most important bands/artists around are women, so we’re just glad that festival bills are changing for the better. Women to the front!
Brighton’s music scene is so fruitful – is there something in the water?
Must be, yeah. Some great bands and I’m not exactly sure why but a lot of bright local talent. LibraLibra, Muff, Snayx, Tigercub, Gender Roles, Arxx, The Wytches. The list goes on and on!
What are your plans for 2022?
The short answer is tour. The long answer is tooooooooooooour. We’ve just been releasing music fairly regularly since 2020 so hopping in the van is the plan. We’re touring the UK in January with James And The Cold Gun as part of the Revive Live tour for the Music Venue Trust. An incredible cause supporting grassroots venues all over the country. We’ll also be touring the UK and Europe with our friends across the pond Weakened Friends through April/May but keep your eyes peeled for more dates cos they’ll be coming!
Any new artists on the scene you are enjoying at the moment?
Muff from Brighton who played our release show is incredible and definitely worth your time. LibraLibra are also ones to watch and we’re incredible at this year’s 234 fest at the Green Door Store. Our pals in Out Of Love and James and the Cold Gun are also doing great things. Some many cool bands about these days so no excuse to not go see some live music with your mates.